There are specific phytosanitary requirements for imports and exports of plants, plant products and other regulated articles, in and out of South Africa. These requirements are set due to the fact that South Africa is part of the global village and an active trader in the global agricultural import-export market. In the international exchange of plants and plant products, there is a risk that pests and disease might be introduced into the territory of the importing country.

South Africa is a signatory member of the WTO-SPS (Agreement on the Application of Sanitary & Phytosanitary Measures). Therefore the WTO-SPS gives member specific rights & obligations.

Marianna Theyse, Manager of International Plant Health Standards from the Directorate of Plant Health at the Department of agriculture, forestry & fisheries presented to the Agricultural Trade Forum on the Phytosanitary requirements for import and exports of plants - please click here to download the presentation.